Stephen P. Potter ’43

Steve died Jan. 30, 2004, of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was 81.

A native of Manchester, Conn., he received his bachelor's in English from Princeton in 1943. During WWII, he served three years with the Army Air Forces in North Africa.

Back in civilian life, Steve began working for the American Petroleum Institute (API) in 1946 as an economist-writer. He became vice president for public affairs in 1970, and also vice president of government relations in 1975. Four years later, Steve was named senior vice president.

During the course of his long and distinguished career with API, Steve had a major role in establishing the institute as one of the leading national trade associations. He led API to adapt to the changed energy world following the 1973-74 OPEC oil embargo.

A private and somewhat shy person, Steve enjoyed golf and was an avid bridge player, achieving the status of silver life master.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, the former Ruth Headlee, a son, Stephen Niles Potter, and two grandchildren.

To the entire family, we extend our most heartfelt sympathies.

The Class of 1943